上(うわ)の空(そら)

うわのそら
noun
absentminded, distracted
mental-state
1. absentminded, distracted, inattentive
A mental state where one's attention is elsewhere and not focused on the present situation or conversation.
彼(かれ)は上(うわ)の空(そら)で聞(き)いていた。
He was listening absentmindedly.
話(はなし)を聞(き)いているのに上(うわ)の空(そら)だね。
You're supposed to be listening, but you seem distracted.
試験(しけん)のことが心配(しんぱい)で、授業(じゅぎょう)中(ちゅう)も上(うわ)の空(そら)だった。
I was so worried about the exam that I was distracted throughout the class.

Etymology

Literally 'the upper sky' - suggesting that one's mind has floated up and away, not grounded in the present moment.

Common patterns

The expression is often used as a na-adjective: 上(うわ)の空(そら)な態度(たいど) (a distracted attitude).

Related Words

Compare: 心(こころ)ここにあらず (absentminded)
general
Added 2026.2.5 11:46 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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